Aksum

When it comes to the best places in Ethiopia, it's impossible not to mention Aksum. If you go to Aksum, you will see more old history than you can imagine. Aksum is one of Africa's oldest towns, steeped in legend and mystery. Believed to have been the home of the Queen of Sheba and the final resting place of the Ark of the Covenant.

The biggest obelisk was recently returned to Ethiopia by the Italian government, where it had been residing for decades after being transferred to Italy during WWII. Its ruins and old stories will captivate any history buff. In addition to the stories of Sheba and the Ark, many think that King Bazen's coarsely hewn tomb of solid rock was really Balthazar, and that the magi brought word of Christ's birth to Ethiopia.

Visit the Northern Stelae Field to witness the ancient Aksumite Obelisks and look over the walls of the St Mary of Zion Church Complex, where the Ark is said to be preserved. Explore the city's treasures, visit mountainside monasteries, and journey underground to see Aksumite imperial graves. Don't forget Mai Shum, a massive rock-hewn pond that local tribes think the Queen of Sheba frequented as a bath

• Location: northern Ethiopia